On April 13, 2022, Tony (Anthony) W. Marx, President of The New York Public Library (NYPL) issued a powerful email statement that reminds us of the rights and freedoms that are often taken for granted.

The campaign, “Banned Books for All,” was launched in light of the recent efforts to ban books in communities across the country. NYPL has partnered with publishers to make banned books available to anyone who chooses to read them via their e-reader.

Rooted in our founding in social justice, in solidarity, Metropolitan College of New York campus libraries will display featured books, banned and non-banned titles, on the themes of race, LGBTQ+ issues, religion, and history.

“We are honored to stand in solidarity with NYPL and libraries around the country that believe that diverse lives and diverse books are only the beginning: We believe in creating a culture of respect, belonging, and liberation,” said Kate Adler, Director of Library Services at Metropolitan College of New York, “Books have always been a part of that work. The banning of books is never to be taken lightly and libraries can never be neutral. We applaud NYPL’s efforts.”

The American Library Association (ALA) affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas and that the ALA basic policies should guide their services. The ALA Bill of Rights amendment III states, “Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.”

In his email, Tony Marx writes, “To protect these essential freedoms, books and information must remain available. Any effort to eliminate those choices stands in opposition to freedom of choice, and we cannot let that happen.”

Knowledge is power; ignorance is dangerous, breeding hate and division. All people have the right to read or not read what they want—we are all entitled to make those choices.

Please stand with us as we stand with the New York Public Library to support our right to read freely.

  • Visit the displays on-campus
  • Speak to our librarians and associates
  • Share your thoughts on this issue and titles you would like to see displayed
  • Learn more about the NYPL Books For All HERE!

About Metropolitan College of New York
Audrey Cohen, an educational visionary and activist, founded the Women’s Talent Corps in 1964. The Talent Corps created employment for thousands of people through development and training for new professional positions. It became The College for Human Services, later Audrey Cohen College, and today Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY). For almost 60 years, MCNY has continued the tradition of offering highly motivated learners an education that combines applied skills with professional knowledge to affect personal transformation and positive change in the workplace and community. MCNY is a non-profit, accredited, private college. Year-round offerings accelerate degree completion, and a unique approach to learning permits close integration of workplace activities and study. MCNY locations are in the Financial District at 60 West Street, New York, NY 10006 and in the Bronx at 463 East 149th Street, Bronx, NY 10455. For more information visit mcny.edu or call 212-343-1234.

Media Contact: Tina Georgiou, Director of Communications and Alumni Relations, Tgeorgiou@mcny.edu, 646-648-0694